Steps to Establishing a Donor Advised Fund

Setting up a donor advised fund is easier than you may imagine. Just follow this five- step process:

Step 1: Create a Ball State donor advised fund by signing an agreement and contributing cash or other assets. You can establish an expendable fund to make grants to Ball State programs with as little as $1,000. An endowed gift of at least $50,000 allows you to grant at least half of the annual spendable amount to Ball State and up to half to other charitable organizations.

Step 2: Three options for investment strategies are available: conservative, moderate, and growth. Choose the one to your liking and risk tolerance.

Step 3: Sign in to your personalized account online and research Ball State programs and information on other charitable organizations that interest you.

Step 4: Once your account is established, you may recommend grants of $500 or more depending on your annual spendable amount. We will review your online request and confirm your designated grantees’ eligibility to receive grants as required by the IRS. An award letter is mailed to the designated charity along with your grant. You will receive an online view of the grant status, along with an updated online listing of your grants in your grant history.

Step 5: Monitor your account dashboard to receive acknowledgement of your gifts from your grantees and information on use of funds; communicate with friends, family, and others as you wish on your charitable granting; and manage your charitable gifts.